Online dating can be a great way to meet new people, but it also comes with risks. Romance fraud is on the rise, with criminals using fake profiles to gain trust and exploit victims financially. Here’s how to spot the warning signs and protect yourself.

Separating from a partner can be challenging, especially when it comes to deciding on finances, property, and arrangements for children. Family mediation offers a practical way to resolve these issues with the help of an impartial mediator, avoiding the expense and stress of court proceedings.

Almost 11 million people in the UK experienced postal delays over Christmas, with 3.4 million facing serious consequences such as missed medical appointments, late bill payments, and lost legal or financial documents, Citizens Advice has revealed.

Citizens Advice reports a 20% increase in the number of people seeking help with energy bills in England and Wales last year. The organisation supported 60,000 households struggling with the soaring costs of gas and electricity, a figure that has doubled since 2020.

Scammers are impersonating BT and preying on consumers ahead of the UK's digital landline switchover. Victims report receiving cold calls demanding payment or personal details under the guise of upgrading their landline service to "Digital Voice." Here’s what you need to know:

In the past five years, Citizens Advice has seen a 115% increase in the number of people seeking help with applying for a Blue Badge. Since its introduction in 1971, the Blue Badge scheme has provided essential support to disabled people, enabling them to park closer to their destination, use yellow lines for a limited time, and access free parking in some areas. This lifeline is linked to the individual, making it usable in any car, whether the badge holder is driving or a passenger.

Users of the popular platform Booking.com are being cautioned about potential fraud. Criminals have been taking over hotel accounts on the platform and sending emails or messages to customers, requesting payments or credit card details. Between June 2023 and September 2024, Action Fraud received 532 reports of this type of fraud, resulting in losses totalling £370,000.

Water companies in England and Wales are facing growing pressure to enhance support for vulnerable households as steep bill increases approach. The regulator Ofwat is expected to announce significant rises in water bills for the next five years, beginning in April 2025. The industry has requested permission to charge billions of pounds more to fund infrastructure upgrades and maintain financial returns for investors. However, consumer groups, including the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), warn that these hikes could render water bills unaffordable for many households, urging water companies to take more robust action.

A new report has shed light on the increasing strain high motor insurance costs are placing on UK drivers. Based on data from 6,000 UK adults, the findings reveal a growing affordability crisis, with the number of people priced out of the car insurance market rising by 900,000 in just the last 12 months. This adds to the 1.7 million people already unable to afford insurance for over a year, leaving them unable to drive and highlighting a stark example of financial exclusion in an essential market.

As the 31 January 2025 Self Assessment deadline nears, HMRC is warning taxpayers to stay vigilant against scams and fraudulent communications.

Christmas is often portrayed as a time of joy, family gatherings, and festive celebrations. Yet, for many, it’s a stark reminder of isolation and loneliness. According to Age UK, more than 1.4 million older people in the UK struggle with loneliness, with almost a million saying they feel lonelier during the festive season. However, it’s not just older generations who feel the impact. People of all ages, including young adults, can experience a profound sense of disconnection during what is supposed to be the “happiest time of the year.” The good news? A small act of kindness or a little time can make an enormous difference.

As Christmas approaches, shopping lists are being ticked off, and gifts are piling up under the tree. But amidst the festive cheer, it’s vital to stay vigilant about product safety. Here's how you can ensure your purchases are safe and your holidays stress-free.

If you’re looking to take control of your finances, small changes can lead to big differences in how you manage your money. One powerful approach is to plan ahead. Here are some tips to help you get started.

While heat networks are considered an efficient way to deliver energy, they fall short of the consumer protections found in regulated energy markets. These protections include price caps, clear billing, and support for those facing financial hardship — all crucial safeguards that heat network consumers currently lack. This absence of protection is even more concerning because consumers can’t switch suppliers if their current provider fails to meet standards.

Child poverty is climbing, with 700,000 more children living in poverty compared to 2010. In response, the Labour government has introduced a Child Poverty Taskforce. But a critical question remains: will they reconsider the 2-child limit?

Have you ever looked at your payslip and felt confused by all the numbers and codes? You’re not alone. With so much information packed into one document, it can be tough to figure out how much money you’ll actually receive.

The UK energy market has been in disarray over the past three years, leaving consumers struggling with rising bills and poor service. Energy suppliers consistently rank low for customer service, and the cost of energy remains significantly higher than it was in 2021. Many vulnerable people, particularly those on low incomes, aren't receiving the necessary support to stay warm.

A new study highlights that mothers under 20 are at the highest risk of being involved in care proceedings within 10 years of giving birth. Led by UCL researchers and funded by the Nuffield Foundation, the research analysed data from 3.5 million first-time mothers in England between 2007 and 2021.

As the colder months approach, Winter Fuel Payments (WFP) have become a critical lifeline for many, especially pensioners and those on low incomes. With recent changes to WFPs, it's more important than ever to understand the eligibility criteria and the potential delays in processing claims.

Care leavers, those who have spent time in the care system and transition to independence between the ages of 16 and 25, face challenges far greater than their non-care-experienced peers. With the local authority acting as their ‘corporate parent,’ the state has a duty to support these young people as they embark on their journey into adulthood. However, the current benefits system, particularly the Universal Credit (UC) scheme, falls short of this responsibility, often leaving care leavers struggling to make ends meet during a critical period in their lives.